Will you help us create new wildlife habitats?

We're calling for volunteers to help plant a variety of shrubs and trees along the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal in an effort to provide shelter for small animals and insects living by the waterways.

Volunteers are needed on Sunday 3 and Monday 4 February from 10am – 3pm to help plant new wildlife corridors along the canal near the village of Greensforge, Kingswinford.

Once established these lush green corridors should be fit for dormice, and will provide safe passage for other small animals such as yellow necked mice and birds as well as declining insect species such as bees, butterflies and moths. Volunteers will be helping to plant a variety of native shrubs loved by dormice such as honeysuckle, Buckthorn, Wayfaring tree and Guelder Rose alongside the canal.

Important habitat

Paul Wilkinson, ecologist from the Canal & River Trust, said: “The waterways are an important habitat as they help provide a safe passage from fields to forests for many small animals and insects. Along the canals there is a rich variety of animal life and by planting these shrubs they will, once established, help provide vital shelters and become a reliable food source which will hopefully encourage breeding.”

For more information on how you can get involved please contact the Trust’s ecologist, Paul Wilkinson, on 0303 040 4040 or email at volunteer@canalrivertrust.org.uk. Volunteers need to ensure they wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear.

There are many ways for people to get involved and support our work, whether this is by donating some time to help support a local project or by making a donation towards to the cost of materials.